Your SSDI payment increases happen automatically through COLA, but you should also know about other ways your monthly amount can change

Social Security automatically raises SSDI payments once a year through the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). You do not need to do anything to receive this increase — it happens in January if Congress approves it. The amount of the raise depends on inflation that year, so some years the increase is larger and some years it is smaller or zero.

Beyond COLA, your payment can also increase if your work history changes, if you reach a certain age, or if you report a change in your household that affects your benefits. Understanding which increases are automatic and which ones require you to report something to Social Security helps you know what to expect and when.

Key Takeaways

  • COLA raises happen automatically every January and are based on inflation from the previous year, so you do not need to contact Social Security to receive the increase.
  • Your payment amount can also increase if you work and earn credits toward a higher benefit, or if a family member's benefit changes and you receive a portion of their earnings record.
  • You must report certain changes to Social Security — like a change in living situation, marital status, or work income — because they can affect your monthly payment.
  • If you believe your payment is incorrect, you can request a detailed breakdown of how Social Security calculated your benefit amount.

How COLA increases work and when they take effect

Each October, the Social Security Administration announces the COLA percentage for the following January. This percentage is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which measures inflation across the economy. If inflation was higher in the previous year, the COLA percentage is higher. If inflation was flat or negative, COLA may be zero or very small.

The increase is applied to your payment automatically. You will see the new amount on your January payment, and you will receive a notice in December explaining the change. You do not need to contact Social Security, reapply, or take any action. The raise applies to your own SSDI benefit and to any family members who receive benefits based on your earnings record.

Other reasons your SSDI payment might increase

COLA is not the only way your monthly payment can go up. If you continue to work while receiving SSDI, you may earn additional Social Security credits that increase your benefit amount. This happens because Social Security recalculates your benefit each year based on your most recent earnings. Higher lifetime earnings can result in a higher payment.

Your payment can also increase if you are receiving benefits as a family member — for example, as a spouse or child of someone on SSDI — and the primary beneficiary's payment increases. Family member payments are calculated as a percentage of the primary beneficiary's amount, so when that amount goes up, yours does too.

If you reach age 70 while receiving SSDI, your payment converts to a retirement benefit, which may be calculated differently and could be higher or lower depending on your work history and age.

Changes you must report that could affect your payment

Social Security requires you to report certain changes within 30 days because they can affect your benefit amount. If you marry, divorce, or your living situation changes (for example, if you move in with someone or move out), you must report this. These changes can affect whether family members can receive benefits based on your record and how much they receive.

If you work and earn income, you must report your earnings to Social Security. During the first year you receive SSDI, there is a trial work period where you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, if your earnings exceed a certain threshold (called substantial gainful activity), your benefits may stop or be reduced. Reporting your work income helps Social Security determine whether you still meet the definition of disability.

You can report changes by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting your local Social Security office, or through your online account at ssa.gov.

How to check if your payment amount is correct

If you want to understand how Social Security calculated your benefit, you can request a Social Security Statement or a detailed benefit calculation. You can view your statement online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. The statement shows your earnings history and the benefit amount Social Security calculated based on that history.

If you believe your payment is incorrect, contact Social Security directly. Bring documentation of any work history, earnings, or life changes that you think may have been missed. Social Security can review your record and explain how your benefit was calculated. If an error is found, your payment can be corrected, and you may receive back pay for the months the error affected your benefit.

What happens if you disagree with your benefit amount

If Social Security denies a request to increase your benefit or you disagree with how your payment was calculated, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process has several stages: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if needed.

You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but many people find it helpful to have one, especially at the hearing stage. If you win your appeal and are owed back pay, Social Security will send you a lump sum for the months you were underpaid. The entire appeal process can take several months to over a year, depending on how busy the hearing office is in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a COLA increase every year?

COLA increases happen most years, but not every year. Congress must approve the increase based on inflation data. In years when inflation is very low or negative, COLA can be zero. You will receive a notice in December if there is an increase coming in January.

Can I request a larger SSDI payment?

You cannot request a larger payment directly. Your benefit amount is based on your work history and earnings record. The only ways to increase it are through COLA, by continuing to work and earning higher lifetime earnings, or by correcting an error if Social Security made a mistake in calculating your benefit.

What if I work and earn more money — will my SSDI go up?

If you work and earn income, Social Security recalculates your benefit each year using your updated earnings record. Higher earnings can increase your benefit amount. However, if your earnings are high enough to be considered substantial gainful activity, your SSDI benefits may stop or be reduced, so the net effect depends on how much you earn.

How do I know if my COLA increase was applied correctly?

Check your December notice from Social Security, which explains the COLA percentage and shows your new payment amount starting in January. You can also log into your my Social Security account online to see your current payment amount. If the amount does not match the notice, contact Social Security to ask them to review your record.

Can I appeal if I think my benefit should be higher?

Yes. If you believe Social Security made an error in calculating your benefit or missed earnings in your work history, you can request reconsideration or file a formal appeal. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process.